Atlus send out their Q1-Q2 newsletter today, sharing with gamers their release slate for the next few months. For more information on these and other Atlus titles, check out their official website at www.atlus.com!



Release Date: Q2 2007 - Sony Playstation 2

Last year we staved off the death of the Game Boy Advance, putting out some of the best titles the system has ever seen, while other publishers (YOU know who you are...) were just letting it sit there. Well, we're not quite ready to give up on the PS2 yet, either. So we're calling in some of the finest 2D art the console's ever seen, with Odin Sphere.

Some of you may remember developer Vanillaware's Japanese cult classic Princess Crown for the Sega Saturn. (Recently remade for the Japanese PSP.) Well, we've decided to go ahead and team up with Vanillaware and bring some of that high quality Princess Crown magic back.

With 5 playable characters, fans of Princess Crown and Action/RPGs are sure to get what they're looking for when Odin Sphere hits shelves this spring. If you need some more information, make sure to swing by the website.

Background

The nations of Erion had always held an uneasy peace, as the various kings and queens watched each other for any signs of weakness. When the country of Valentine is obliterated by the power of an ancient artifact, it sparks a bloody war between the fairies of Ringford and the warriors of Ragnanival.

Little do they know that they are acting out an almost-forgotten prophecy: one that, if fulfilled, will lead to the destruction of the entire world.

Take control of the warrior princess Gwendolyn, daughter of Odin, and follow the threads of an intricately woven story as you uncover the truth behind the prophecy - and how to bring it to an end.

Key Features

- Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations!

- Intense side-scrolling action with astonishing attacks and magic effects!

- Fully-voiced dialogue that heightens the drama!

- Fantastic bosses that tower over the protagonists!

- Five playable characters in all; each one's fate is intertwined with the others'!

- A robust cooking and alchemy system that can be used to create powerful attack and recovery items!



Release Date: Q2 2007 - Nintendo DS

We know some of you hardcore gamers follow the Japanese market. You've probably heard about a little DS title from our parent company that's been tearing up the charts over there called Sekaiju no Meikyuu.

Come May 2007, that same game, this time known as Etrian Odyssey, will be tearing up some American charts. (That's right. We hate charts. You got a problem with that?) Brought to you by the creator of Trauma Center, Etrian Odyssey is a sleek and stylish first-person-RPG that will introduce a new generation to the joys of cartography and dungeon exploration.

The game is getting fantastic reviews from the hardcore press, so you're going to want to pick up a copy posthaste, ere it disappears forever!

Background

In a vast and fertile land lies a small town known as Etria, a peaceful village that became famous for a startling discovery. A crack in the vast forest opened at Etria's edge, leading downward like a gaping maw. It all began there...

Those who hear rumors of the labyrinth of Etria, whether young or old, begin to harbor dreams of exploring it.

Riches... fame... prestige... all that and one more thing does the labyrinth promise: the true spirit of adventure, on the perilous edge of death.

Today, like any other day in the new Etria, a youth walks through the town gates...

Key Features

- Make your own maps with the Touch Screen! Plot your progress through the labyrinth, drawing walls and placing icons to note special events, treasure chests, doors, pits, stairs, and landmarks.

- Nine character classes! Create a woodland survivalist, shield-bearing protector, whip-wielding dark hunter, or any of a half-dozen other types. Populate an adventurer's guild with up to 20 characters!

- Turn-based strategic combat! Acquire and collect more than 20 battle skills for your adventuring party of five characters.

- All-star production staff! Direction by Kazuya Niinou (Trauma Center: Under the Knife), story design by Shigeo Komori (Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner), and sound design by Yuzo Koshiro (Actraiser, Streets of Rage).

- Beautiful 3D graphics! Say goodbye to the dank, gray corridors of past dungeon RPGs as you step into warm, inviting, forest environments rendered in an original 3D engine.



Release Date: Q3 2007 - Nintendo DS

A lot of the Atlus faithful in our forums were clamoring for this game, so we're really happy that everything managed to fall into place so we could bring you Luminous Arc.

With customizable control schemes, a cast of unique characters, and high quality Atlus Localization™, we think this is going to be a solid purchase for anyone who owns a DS. If you're a fan of what Tactics Ogre brought to the table, you should be very pleased with Luminous Arc.

This game also broke the top 30 in Japan, so this is probably another title you're going to want to pre-order if you want to be sure to get your hands on it.

Background

One thousand years ago, dragons and Witches warred against God for the fate of the world. God's power was triumphant, but it was a difficult struggle, and the deity sent Himself into a deep sleep to recover from the terrible wounds He suffered in the battle.

Ten years ago, the Church proclaimed that a great event would soon occur: God will be reborn, and the world will be led into a new golden age under His guidance. However, this news is coupled with a grave warning: the Witches will soon reappear to begin the millennia-old conflict once again.

Take control of Alph, a member of the Garden Children, an elite group of soldiers and mages trained by the Church since childhood. They have but one mission: the eradication of the Witch threat. Along the way, discover the mysteries behind their return, their motives, and their history!

Key Features

- An isometric strategy RPG on the Nintendo DS™!

- Create new weapons and equipment with the Vitae Imbuing system!

- Strengthen your friendship with comrades and improve your attacks on the battlefield!

- Compare your friends' strategic prowess against your own with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer!

- A variety of unique characters drive an epic story featuring voiced dialogue!

- Stunning character designs by Kaito Shibano!



Release Date: Q3 2007 - Sony Playstation 2

Looking for all the fun of going to high school in Japan and having supernatural powers? Well, you're in luck! Persona 3 is just the game you've been waiting for.

Tons of interesting and unique characters to help you get those "Defender of humanity" credits that look oh-so-good on your college entrance applications. It'll be just like the high school experience you never had.

As a bonus for our fans, we're throwing in some goodies for a special bundle. Details to follow, but now you know that there is one.

Background

Take control of a new high school student transferring to Gekkoukan High School on Port Island. Days after he arrives, he's attacked by a Shadow at his school dorm. This attack awakens his Persona, Orpheus, his only defense against this creature of the night.

After talking to his fellow classmates, he learns some of them share similar abilities. They teach him of the "Dark Hour", a hidden span of time between one day and the next. During this time, Shadows emerge and claim victims known as The Lost. Join forces with your classmates and defend the city against evil.

Key Features

- Use the Social Link system to build intimate relationships with friends and love interests!

- Unforgettable characters to immerse you in the P3 universe!

- Clever and interesting dialogue helps bring the story to life!